autobiography

Introduction

Growing up in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, by the picturesque Brahmaputra River, I was immersed in natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a legacy of academic excellence. My father, mother, and grandparents were all highly educated, and many relatives pursued prestigious careers in medicine, engineering, and the military. It was expected that I would follow a similar path. However, my passion for art was undeniable. Defying societal norms and family expectations, I made a bold decision to transition from a top business school to fine arts, becoming the first in my family to specialize in this field at the postgraduate level. I aim to highlight the transformative power of fine arts in shaping society, believing that art has the power to challenge, inspire, and create lasting change.

My father, a highly respected teacher, devoted his life to advocating for education. He was a passionate champion for women’s education, working tirelessly to combat early marriages and guide countless students from our remote area toward university degrees and successful careers. My mother, equally inspiring, was a dedicated teacher and social worker who collaborated with organizations like NGEO FORAM and UNICEF Bangladesh to promote education, health, and child welfare. Together, my parents exemplified a deep commitment to social upliftment, leaving an enduring impact on the lives they touched. Their unwavering dedication to meaningful change continues to inspire me. Motivated by their example, I strive to harness the transformative power of art to challenge societal norms, inspire new perspectives, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about change—leaving a lasting legacy that impacts the world.

Early Life and Inspirations

In 2001, my mother recognized my natural talent for drawing and enrolled me in the Zainul Abedin Art Gallery School. Teachers often said I could one day follow in the footsteps of Zainul Abedin, the Father of Fine Arts in Bangladesh. Intrigued, I delved into his works, mesmerized by his depictions of rural life, feminine grace, and human resilience. His famine series, filled with raw emotion, and his celebration of cultural heritage deeply inspired me, igniting my passion for storytelling through art. Around this time, I was captivated by the puppet show Moner Kotha by Mostafa Monowar on BTV. His magical retelling of folklore through vibrant characters and emotional narratives opened my imagination to new realms. Together, Zainul’s masterpieces and Monowar’s artistry nurtured my young soul, showing me how art preserves culture and breathes life into stories.

I thrived in art school, securing the top position for three years, but societal expectations led my family to withdraw me. Heartbroken, I stopped painting but couldn’t let go of art entirely. I began drawing secretly—in schoolbooks, notebooks, and even on walls. Many of these drawings were discarded, torn, or lost, but my passion endured. A turning point came when I sketched a teacher’s portrait in my textbook. Reported by a classmate, I expected reprimand but was instead praised by the head teacher, who introduced me to the school as a budding artist. That moment of recognition from peers and authority rekindled my confidence, inspiring me to embrace art as my true calling despite the challenges.

Middle Childhood

While my elder brothers and cousins excelled academically, earning spots in prestigious institutions, my path diverged. I was consumed by a passion for arcade games and aspired to become the nation’s best badminton player. Gaming for me wasn’t just play—it was strategy, art, and mechanics. Convinced that a personal computer would elevate my skills, I implored my father to buy one, even threatening to skip my SSC exams if he refused. Spending 14 to 16 hours daily in arcades, I neglected my studies, oblivious to the strain I placed on my father. His heartbreak was evident when he learned I had missed four months of school, including mid-term exams. My father, a devoted educator, had invested everything in my elder brother’s education, leaving little for luxuries like a computer. Yet his love never faltered. Tearfully, he urged me to focus on my studies, promising to buy me a computer if I excelled. His words moved me deeply, and I resolved to change. I dedicated myself to academics and achieved first place with a remarkable 98% score. But before I could share this triumph with him, tragedy struck. 

In 2007, while delivering a graduation speech—a reflection of his life’s dedication—my father suffered a fatal heart attack. At just 14, my world shattered. I became the primary provider for my family, shouldering immense responsibilities overnight. My elder brother distanced himself, leaving me to care for my ailing mother, whose treatments were costly, while supporting my siblings. Betrayed by my father’s business partners and relatives, we lost everything he had left behind. For five years, I paused my education, taking on part-time jobs and freelancing to sustain us. These hardships didn’t break me—they shaped me. My father’s belief in education and his sacrifices became my guiding light, driving me to turn adversity into resilience and determination.

College Years

Growing up in the 90s, I spent countless hours in arcade video game shops, captivated by the characters, graphics, and intricate mechanics. My fascination went beyond game play; I analyzed strategies, combos, and visual arts, eager to understand the creative processes behind these mesmerizing worlds. This ignited my passion for both competitive gaming and 3D animation. However, pursuing this dream required mastering art, computer animation, and game design—fields that were largely inaccessible in my country at the time. There were no institutes offering formal education in this field, and the few short courses that existed were prohibitively expensive. Determined not to let these barriers define my path, I enrolled in a Fine Arts program in 2011, hoping it would provide the foundation I needed. However, I soon discovered that its traditional curriculum lacked the specialization required for my aspirations in 3D animation, game design, or Immersive art. The absence of digital art facilities and relevant mentorship posed additional hurdles. Undeterred, I took matters into my own hands—teaching myself through manuals, experimenting with software on borrowed computers or at cybercafés, and discreetly sketching characters, environments, and game mechanics in my notebooks during class. These self-driven efforts kept my vision alive, forging the groundwork for my creative journey despite the odds. 

In 2012, as I began to immerse myself in my studies, life threw an unexpected challenge my way. My girlfriend—now my wife—was diagnosed with cancer. Despite her physical struggles, she endured four major surgeries and eight cycles of chemotherapy. Throughout her battle, I stood by her side, trying to balance my roles as a caregiver and a student. The strain was immense, both mentally and financially, but my wife’s courage in the face of such adversity was a constant source of strength for me. Our shared dreams and her unwavering spirit inspired me to keep pushing forward, even when it seemed impossible. The challenges I faced became the catalyst for my unwavering commitment to merge art with technology in transformative ways. My unconventional journey, fueled by resilience, self-motivation, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, has refined my vision of creating immersive, impactful experiences that bridge the gap between creativity and innovation. What once started as a mere fascination with gaming has now evolved into a burning ambition to craft stories that challenge boundaries, spark emotions, and leave a lasting mark on both the artistic and technological worlds.

Academic

My foundational education in fine arts has been a rich blend of artistic exploration and technical mastery, preparing me for the interdisciplinary demands of a PhD level study. Advanced coursework in life drawing, figure sculpting, and experimental painting honed my ability to depict the human form with precision and to explore innovative approaches to visual storytelling—essential skills for crafting immersive visualizations and compelling narratives. Studies in portraiture and the recreation of old master paintings deepened my understanding of expression, likeness, and historical techniques, enriching my ability to create emotionally resonant and realistic digital works. Additionally, my exploration of landscape, cityscape, and installation art enhanced my spatial awareness and conceptual thinking, critical for designing environments that captivate and immerse. Mixed-media composition and advanced graphic design allowed me to push conventional boundaries, fostering dynamic visual storytelling and honing my skills in communication and conceptualization. By integrating traditional techniques with digital innovations, I aim to create works that resonate emotionally and align seamlessly merge art, science, and technology. I am eager to contribute to and grow within a program that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge visualization.

Professional Experience

My professional career bridges interior design, corporate branding, and freelance artistry, each contributing unique perspectives and skills essential for the interdisciplinary field of visualization. As a certified interior designer, I have worked on large-scale commercial and luxurious residential projects, mastering tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Autodesk 3ds Max, V-Ray, and Unreal Engine. These projects honed my ability to craft functional yet aesthetically engaging spaces, with a focus on realistic 3D modeling, spatial planning, and immersive walkthroughs. The experience sharpened my problem-solving skills and enriched my understanding of lighting and material dynamics—critical for creating compelling digital environments. In corporate brand communication, I led cross-functional teams to develop strategic campaigns that leveraged visual storytelling to captivate diverse audiences. This role deepened my expertise in branding, strategic planning, and project management while refining my ability to translate complex ideas into impactful visuals. The interplay of strategic thinking and creative execution in this role has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of narrative-driven visualization. My extensive freelance work, spanning commissioned portraits and digital art projects, further expanded my technical proficiency and adaptability. Delivering high-caliber artwork under tight deadlines taught me to thrive under pressure, embrace constructive feedback, and consistently push creative boundaries. Together, these experiences have prepared me to excel in a postgraduate program, where I aim to merge technical expertise with artistic vision to create innovative and immersive visual narratives.

Navigating Grief and Rediscovering Purpose

After my graduation, I had just begun to find stability as a Creative Lead at one of the largest companies in my country when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, turning my life upside down. My wife, a cancer survivor with physical disabilities, required constant care, and my mother, battling kidney failure, needed attention as well. Amid this, I received the devastating news that my newborn daughter, Melissa, had been diagnosed with a rare and complex congenital heart defect. The treatment required immediate open-heart surgery—a life-threatening and costly procedure that pushed me to my financial limits. The pandemic's lockdowns and fear of the coronavirus compounded the challenges, with overwhelmed hospitals and limited support systems. Navigating the system while managing my family’s needs was a race against time. To focus entirely on my daughter, wife, and mother, I left my position as Creative Lead. Despite crowdfunding efforts and help from family and friends, Melissa’s condition required urgent care that exceeded my resources. Tragically, on October 10, 2021, Melissa passed away. Her loss left an irreparable void, yet my passion for art and storytelling became my lifeline. Creative expression became a way to channel my grief, honor her memory, and find meaning in the darkest period of my life.

In seeking answers about Melissa's condition, we discovered that my wife’s cancer treatments—eight rounds of chemotherapy and four surgeries—had severely impacted her immune system and reproductive health. Her diminished AMH levels made it nearly impossible for us to conceive another child. This revelation plunged her into despair, and she attempted suicide twice, feeling she had failed as a mother and wife. She even suggested I leave her to marry someone else who could provide the family we longed for. But my love for her, forged over more than a decade, was unwavering. Despite my dream of pursuing higher studies abroad, I devoted my savings and energy to her treatment, working as a freelancer to fund advanced hormonal therapies in hopes of helping her heal.

Seeking financial stability and purpose, I accepted a position as Creative Director of Brand and Communication at one of Bangladesh's largest corporate conglomerates. The role came with prestige and one of the country’s highest salary packages, appearing to be a significant step forward. However, the work soon diverged from my artistic aspirations. My background in fine arts, steeped in aesthetics and storytelling, clashed with the demands of commercial branding and interior architectural projects. The profound loss of my daughter had reshaped my perspective, teaching me that fulfillment and purpose far outweigh traditional measures of success. Realizing that financial stability and accolades could not fill the void left by my daughter’s loss or suppress my creative aspirations, I made a life-altering decision: I resigned from my corporate role to pursue a Master of Fine Arts program. This path allowed me to heal and rediscover the transformative power of art.

Artistic Transformation and Academic Recognition

During this journey of grief and recovery, freelance projects became deeply personal expressions of my pain, resilience, and hope. Each piece was a tribute to Melissa’s memory, exploring new artistic possibilities and expanding my creative horizons. These experiences deepened my empathy, broadened my understanding of the human condition, and strengthened my commitment to a career that merges fine art with innovative storytelling. This journey has not only redefined my artistic identity but also reinforced my resolve to create meaningful, transformative works that honor both the struggles and beauty of life.

Through all of these personal challenges, I found healing in my art and managed to excel in my academic pursuits. I completed my MFA with first-class-first with a perfect CGPA of 4.0 (U.S. equivalent), and I am humbled to share I am on my way to receiving the prestigious Dean and Vice Chancellor Award at our upcoming commencement. My work was further recognized by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, which awarded me the Young Artist Award for my paintings Pollution of Social Emotions and The Spirit of the Liberation War. Additionally, my painting Moral Pollution won the esteemed SM Sultan Award, selected from over 2,000 entries at our university’s 20th-anniversary art exhibition. These accolades fuel my passion for creating art that not only merges fine art with technology but also sparks meaningful conversations and inspires positive change. These experiences have given me resilience, focus, and adaptive problem-solving skills—qualities essential for graduate-level study. I am eager to bring my creative vision and discipline to my field.

Today, I am the proud father of a healthy baby boy, Spandan, which means “heartbeat.” Seeing my wife’s joy as a cancer survivor and my mother’s improved health fills me with hope and strength. I am determined to face the challenges ahead and succeed in my journey in the field of fine arts.

Extracurricular Activities

In addition to my professional endeavors, I engage in a variety of hobbies and extracurricular activities that significantly contribute to my personal and professional development. As a dedicated badminton player since 2004, I have competed at the national level, which has instilled in me key traits such as competitiveness, confidence, and dedication. My experience as a state-level coach has sharpened my leadership, mentorship, and strategic thinking skills, as I design customized training plans and guide athletes toward success. Parallel to my athletic pursuits, I have nurtured a deep passion for gaming, particularly fighting games like The King of Fighters and Street Fighter. Over the past 20 years, I have become an authority in game mechanics, frame data, and hitbox analysis, achieving recognition as a top international player and winning over 50 tournaments. This immersion in gaming has honed my critical thinking, technical analysis, and attention to detail, enabling me to evaluate game systems and user experiences with precision. I’ve further developed my leadership and organizational skills by orchestrating national and online gaming tournaments, including one in Dhaka in 2014 with 255 participants, sponsored by Gigabyte. Managing arcade gaming shops and PC gaming cafes has deepened my understanding of player behavior, market trends, and operational challenges, while also providing technical expertise in gaming hardware, from custom arcade cabinets to fightstick repairs and console troubleshooting. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on how hardware and game design intersect, allowing me to refine user interaction and player experience. Beyond my professional activities, I actively contribute to organizations such as the Animation and Interactive Association Bangladesh, EMK Center, Jaago Foundation, Green Saver, and Artistic Bangladesh. A particularly rewarding experience was participating in a 3D modeling and printing workshop in 2015, where we collaborated to design a prosthetic for a young girl. This project enhanced my teamwork, problem-solving, and product prototyping skills. I am also passionate about global cultural exchange and aspire to explore international museums and artistic communities, fostering cross-border artistic dialogues between Bangladesh and the world.

Future Goals

My long-term vision is to establish a world-class CG studio and research center in Bangladesh, equipping the next generation of artists with cutting-edge digital tools and promoting sustainable practices. I aim to deepen my technical, research, and pedagogical expertise while gaining a comprehensive understanding of workflow and research methodologies. I plan to gain practical industry experience during my studies, which will help me build real-world insights, expand my global network, and broaden my perspective. Upon completing my higher study, I intend to return to Bangladesh to launch my studio and CG research lab, supporting the development of fine arts education and integrating advanced computer graphics into the Fine Art Department at Dhaka University. Collaborating with government and educational leaders, I hope to modernize fine arts curricula, blending traditional art forms with digital practices and preparing students for the global digital economy. I am dedicated to sharing the knowledge and skills acquired during my PhD with fellow educators and aspiring artists, creating a pool of master trainers who can drive this mission forward.

The ongoing calls for reform in Bangladesh, particularly the July-August 2024 student movement, highlight the urgent need for educational transformation, economic justice, and sustainable development. This aligns with my vision for a "Bangladesh 2.0," where the convergence of art and technology creates opportunities for growth and social transformation. Inspired by the legacies of pioneers like Zainul Abedin and Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, I am committed to using art as a tool for empowerment and positive societal change. I aim to be a catalyst for educational reform, empowering underprivileged students to enter the rapidly growing game art and animation industry, while also preserving and promoting Bangladesh’s cultural heritage through digital art. I believe Bangladesh has the potential to become a major player in the global creative industry, and I am determined to make that vision a reality. Through this journey, I will foster local talent, collaborate with Bangladeshi studios, and innovate to support the creative industry. By providing international opportunities and bridging the gap between traditional and digital art, I seek to ensure Bangladesh’s cultural heritage receives the global recognition it deserves. Ultimately, I aim to be a trailblazer in fine arts and game development, using art, culture, and technology to drive positive societal change. Through my work, I strive to blend artistic expression, education, and research, leaving a lasting impact on both the global art community and the evolving world of interactive media.

Conclusion: The magical power of visual language and the aesthetics of an artist have always fascinated me, expressing deep emotions that transcend words and resonate with humanity. Through my journey, I’ve come to understand that being a true artist is not about fame or wealth, but about inspiring change. Art is a tool for societal betterment, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends time. Creating art offers a form of immortality, where our work influences generations, even millennia after we’re gone. 

"I am excited about the future of art and technology and the endless possibilities they offer. 

If my journey resonates with you, I’d love to connect and explore how we can create something meaningful together."